Mexico is a stunning country, bristling with culture and vibrant history. When planning a Mexican vacation, most people tend to stick to the incredible all-inclusive resorts such as Cancun, Tulum, Punta Cana, or Cozumel. However, the rest of the country has much more to offer!
Mexico is a huge country, spanning more than 1 million square kilometers! Every part of Mexico is unique and culturally diverse. Central Mexico gives you the vibrant Mexico City and the Aztec city-Tenochtitlan. The south has the stunning beaches of Quintana Roo, and the north has the Sierra Norte Mountains. Mexico is a great country to drive through, backpack, or just take a vacation. There are a few tips for having a great time in Mexico
When should you travel to Mexico?
Mexico is a great country to travel to any time of the year, depending on the region you are going to. Mexican summer is between June and October and it is a rainy season, but mostly in the country’s center. It rains heavily every day, but only for a short period. In the northern parts of the country, it rarely rains and in the coastal areas, there is a lot of humidity, with temperatures between 26-32 degrees Celsius (79-90 degrees Fahrenheit).
September to mid-October is not a good time to visit because of the hurricane season. December to the end of April is bustling with tourists as it is rather hot, and the beach is a perfect escape from the heat. If you are interested in taking advantage of the tropical climate, this is the time to travel to Mexico. Be prepared however for crowds, especially in Puerto Vallarta and Cancun. The daily temperature at this time is 28 degrees Celsius or 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
If going to the mountain, however, be prepared for frigid conditions, especially in the evening, so carry warm clothing.
How to stay safe in Mexico
Mexican locals are very friendly and helpful. Mexico is not as dangerous as foreign media tries to depict it. Most of Mexico is very safe to travel around. Petty theft is common, but the conflicts that give Mexico a bad name, are between the local authorities and the drug cartels, which should not affect your trip in any way. Stay safe with the following tips:
- Stay away from any drugs or sex tourism and you will be safe from the law.
- Take precautions and avoid places with gang activity such as Guerrero and Colima.
- Check if the U.S Department of State has issued any travel advisory on their website before you travel.
- Connect to a VPN when you have to use unsecured networks in hotels, restaurants, or airports. A VPN can increase your safety on these networks and protect you from cybercriminals.
- Avoid isolated areas and make sure you have copies made of all your travel documents.
Exchange your dollars for pesos
In most tourist areas of Mexico, they normally accept dollars. If you are taking an all-inclusive trip, you can get by without having to use pesos. However, if you intend to backpack or drive through Mexico, you will find it more worth your while to exchange to pesos. It saves you a lot of trouble where some establishments do not accept dollars, especially if you are going into the countryside.
Have a unique Experience
The essence of taking a vacation is to relax and have the experience to remember. When in Mexico, go diving. Mexico has some of the world’s most beautiful diving spots. The Great Maya Barrier reef is the second largest in the world and you can experience it while in Mexico, plus the diverse and stunning marine life. Snorkeling and sports fishing are part of the great Mexican Experience.
Visit the archaeological sites, Mayan ruins, and quaint little villages in Cancun. Visit Guadalajara for its mariachi and tequila, while visiting its many museums and wander into its labyrinth of colonial streets. Visit the Guadalajara Cathedral, which features artwork from famous artists like Murillo and the 19th-century Hospicio Cabanas.
Visit Oaxaca, the hub of indigenous Mexican culture, famous for its vibrant art and crafts. Enjoy its pristine beaches and enjoy the Aztec Pyramids at Teotihuacan.
Summary
Mexico has appeared in the media as a dangerous place to travel to. Nothing could be further from the truth. Mexico is a great country with friendly citizens who are always willing to help. As with any country, there are a few things you need to know before traveling. Do due diligence, check out the best time to travel, make sure you stay away from drugs and most of all, and have fun!